Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment in Staten Island NY

At Eyes on Amboy, we know how frustrating dry eye syndrome is to your daily routine. Our Staten Island, NY optometrists, Dr. Danielle Riili-Mazniker, O.D., and Lev Mazniker, O.D., are dedicated to providing you with the best services and personalized attention. Regardless of whether you experience chronic dryness, irritation, or unstable vision, we are here to offer you the latest diagnostics and personalized treatments to help you achieve long-term comfort.

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What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome is an all too prevalent disorder in which your eyes cannot produce tears or in which your tears evaporate more rapidly than usual. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of your eye and for keeping your vision clear. When the quality or function of the tears is disrupted, it can produce a wide range of symptoms, including burning, grittiness, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and itchiness.

Dry eye syndrome is often a chronic condition that can range from mild to severe. If left untreated, it can impact your overall eye health, interfere with daily tasks such as reading or driving, and compromise your quality of life.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome:

• Redness or burning
• A stinging or burning sensation
• Watery eyes (in response to dryness)
• A gritty or foreign body sensation
• Sensitivity to light
• Eye strain
• Unsteady or blurred vision

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Understanding the Causes

Dry eye syndrome is caused by many reasons, including:

• Aging: Decreased secretion of tears with age.
• Medical conditions: diabetes, thyroid disease, and autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's Syndrome.
• Medications: Antihistamine, antidepressants, decongestants, and blood pressure medications.
• Environmental factors: Wind, smoke, dry environment, and long-term computer use.
• Hormonal changes: Menopause, pregnancy, or oral contraceptives in women.
• Contact lens use: Chronic use can lead to diminished tear stability.

Identifying the root cause of your dry eyes is crucial in developing the ideal treatment plan. Eyes on Amboy conducts thorough eye exams to determine the cause of your condition.

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Diagnosis and Advanced Testing

Our dry eye test is far more detailed than our simple eye test. We utilize comprehensive diagnostic equipment to assess the extent and quality of tears, determine whether your tear film is stable or unstable, and identify inflammation or gland dysfunction.

Tests typically covered by your dry eye test can be:

• Tear film breakup time (TBUT)
• Schirmer's test to assess tear production
• Meibomian gland testing to assess the production of oil in your tears
• Staining tests to assess for eye surface damage

We use these devices to diagnose the etiology and severity of your dry eye syndrome and recommend a suitable treatment.

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Individualized Treatment Plans

Each dry eye case is different. As such, we create customized treatment plans tailored to the severity and cause of your condition. Eyes on Amboy provides the full range of therapy to relieve pain and improve eye health:

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops

Isolated instances can temporarily be cured with lubricating drops in over-the-counter form. We recommend choosing the best preservative-free products for your needs.

2. Prescription Eye Drops

Preservative-free artificial tears, such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra), can be used in individuals with severe or extensive systemic inflammation to decrease inflammation and increase tear production.

3. Lid Hygiene and Warm Compresses

Lid hygiene and warm compress therapy are administered to the patient with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) to stimulate the secretion of tear oil and stabilize the tear film.

4. Punctal Plugs

Microbiocompatible devices are placed inside the tear canals to block drainage and keep the eye surface lubricated for several hours. It may be of immense help to patients with low tear volume.

5. Nutritional Support

The condition of the tears may be improved and inflammation lowered by supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids. We will refer you to safe and effective supplementation.

6. Ortho-K Lenses

Ortho-K lenses, which are most commonly used in the treatment of myopia, can help alleviate dry eye symptoms by redistributing the cornea at night and reducing the need for contact lens use throughout the day, which can exacerbate dry eyes.

7. Environmental and Lifestyle Changes

We provide suggestions on reducing screen time, using a humidifier, wearing protective glasses, and practicing eye blinking to help you manage environmental stimuli.

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Long-Term Care and Ongoing Monitoring

At Eyes on Amboy, dry eye management doesn't stop at a single visit. We focus on continuity of care and ongoing monitoring to ensure your treatment remains effective and successful. Our team will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and address any new symptoms that may arise.

We are committed to creating lasting relief and preserving your vision for years to come.

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Why Eyes on Amboy for Dry Eye Treatment?

• Experienced Professionals: Our experienced professionals, led by Dr. Danielle Riili-Mazniker, O.D., and Lev Mazniker, O.D., bring expertise, accuracy, and compassionate care to every patient visit.
• State-of-the-Art Diagnostics: We utilize the most advanced diagnostic technology and clinical methods to identify the unique factors contributing to your dry eye condition.
• Full-Service Care: From routine care to complex procedures, we provide a comprehensive range of treatments to meet your needs.
• Patient-Centered: We treat and respect all patients, committed to a long-term eye care relationship.

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Insurance and Payment Options

We strive to make high-quality eye care accessible to everyone. Eyes on Amboy takes a comprehensive range of insurance plans, including: Metroplus, 1199, HealthFirst, Fidelis, VSP, BCBS, Affinity, Emblem Health GHI, CIGNA, Humana, UHC, Medicaid, Medicare, Davis Vision, Spectera, Eye Med, APNA, and most union plans.

Our employees are available to help with your benefits and coverage. We offer low-payment arrangements for the uninsured and financing as well.

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Stop by Eyes on Amboy

If dry, irritated eyes are affecting your daily activities, don't delay treatment. Our skilled optometrists at Eyes on Amboy are happy to help you achieve greater comfort and improved vision. Our patients of all ages are welcome, and we strive to deliver the highest quality care possible.